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Transcript

Special Education: Navigating Advocacy

Empowering Black Students with Disabilities

Summary

In this conversation, Ashton Minor shares his journey as an educator and advocate for Black students with disabilities. He discusses the importance of representation in education, the challenges faced by Black male educators, and the systemic issues impacting students with disabilities. Through his work with Jacob's Puzzle Foundation, he aims to bridge the gap in support for these students and emphasizes the need for community and mentorship in education. This conversation delves into the importance of community engagement, particularly in the context of educational inequities faced by black and neurodivergent students. The speakers emphasize the need for parents and community members to actively participate in school board meetings and advocate for necessary changes in policies affecting special education and support services. They discuss the historical context of how black and brown students have been underserved in educational settings and the importance of building a supportive network to navigate these challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of collective action and finding one's voice within the community to address systemic issues and promote equity in education.

Quotes

"I wanted to be a teacher when I was in third grade."

"Seeing my students achieve is what inspires me."

"I want to show my students they can achieve more."

"Students know who's for them and who's not."

"Authenticity and vulnerability make a difference."

"You can't get the support and the help you need."

"We got to get ahead of the game."

"We were in community. We had found each other."

"Thank you for letting me be myself."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashton Minor and His Journey

05:47 The Importance of Representation in Education

11:48 Challenges Faced by Black Male Educators

17:47 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Students with Disabilities

23:51 Jacob's Puzzle Foundation: Bridging the Gap

29:57 Advocacy and the Role of Community in Education

42:37 Empowering Community Engagement

47:23 Historical Context of Educational Inequities

49:09 Building a Supportive Network

52:28 Navigating Neurodivergence and Community

58:00 The Importance of Collective Action

01:03:30 Finding Your Voice and Community